Description
This easy focaccia recipe creates a comforting bread rich with fresh herbs, glossy olive oil, and creamy plant-based cheese. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and airy inside, it is a versatile and delicious bread ideal for sharing as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (100-110°F)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic natural extract
Toppings
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or crumbled
- Additional sea salt for sprinkling
Optional Variations
- Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil
- Olives and caramelized onions
- Za’atar seasoning
- Chili flakes and lemon zest
- Mushrooms and thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and let it activate until bubbly, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sea salt, and garlic natural extract. Add the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil to the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which provides a good rise and chewy texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, allowing it to become airy and light.
- Shape and Prep: Transfer the dough onto a greased baking pan and press it out evenly using your fingers, creating dimples throughout the surface. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh rosemary, sea salt, and plant-based cheese on top. Add any optional toppings if desired.
- Final Rise and Bake: Let the shaped dough rest for another 20-30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate evenly for better rise.
- Don’t skip the olive oil, as it is key to achieving a soft crumb and crisp crust.
- Create dimples with your fingertips to keep olive oil pooled for flavor bursts.
- Be patient with rising times to ensure light, fluffy focaccia.
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: focaccia, easy focaccia, plant-based cheese, herb bread, olive oil bread, homemade focaccia, vegan focaccia
